KATHMANDU, March 3: As mistrust and tensions deepen between ruling Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, the likelihood of a new political alliance is rapidly gaining traction. The emerging coalition is anticipated to involve the Maoist Center, CPN-UML, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP).
During a three-hour discussion at the residence of JSP Chairman Upendra Yadav, key figures, including UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, General Secretary Shankar Pokharel, RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane, Maoist Center's Vice President Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Deputy General Secretary Barshaman Pun and Chairman Yadav, have reportedly reached consensus on fundamental issues for the new political alliance.
Sources claim that in the proposed coalition agreement, RSP President Lamichhane is slated to assume the role of Home Minister, along with the portfolio of Deputy Prime Minister, while Dahal will continue as Prime Minister. Additionally, UML is expected to secure the position of National Assembly Speaker. The agreement also foresees the resolution of points of contention in the Bill on Transitional Justice.
Deepening mistrust in ruling coalition
Following the discussions at Yadav's residence on Sunday, UML Vice Chairman Bishnu Paudel and Maoist Center's Deputy General Secretary Pun engaged once again with Prime Minister Dahal and Oli. The ongoing efforts include the finalization of a blueprint for the new ruling alliance at Oli's residence in Balkot.
As the possibility of a new political equation gains momentum, NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba has conveyed to his aides within the party his contemplation of recalling all ministers representing the party from the government or withdrawing from the current coalition.
Sources suggest that a crucial meeting of the ruling coalition, scheduled for Monday morning, may determine the fate of the current government. However, there is speculation that the meeting may not take place as the new political dynamics unfold.
In response to UML Chairman Oli's increasing proximity to Prime Minister Dahal, NC President Deuba has shared his concerns with party officials. Deuba convened NC ministers at his residence in Budhanilkanth on Sunday, informing them about the latest developments and hinting at the possibility of exiting the alliance.
During the three-and-a-half-hour meeting on Sunday afternoon, attended by eight ministers and NC leaders, including Krishna Sitaula and Ramesh Lekhak, discussions revolved around Dahal's insistence on having a Maoist as the Chairman of the National Assembly.
Deuba expressed the view that the alliance could be jeopardized if the NC did not secure the National Assembly Speaker position. It is anticipated that the NC will convene a separate meeting to decide its stance before the alliance meeting on Monday.
